Stolen Paso Fino stud, netposse.UPDATE BOUGHT AT AUCTION!!

[PASOFAN]

Saw this on another BB I go to...

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/InfiernoIdealOH.jpg

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/InfiernoOHsep06.htm

[quote]Submitted By: Beverly Vance

owners name: Beverly Vance

city: Crown City

county: Gallia

state: OH

country: USA

zip: 45623

home phone: 740 441-5871

work phone: 304 691-6455

Number horses: 1

tack report: No

trailer report: No

theft date date: September 25, 2006

location: Crown City/ Gallia

how missing: My house burnt to the ground on 9/7/06. I lived in my barn several weeks afraid that the person that burnt my house down might come back and burn my barn down with my horses in it. I fed around 7:30 p.m. on 9/25/06. That night I went to a friends house for one night. The next morning when I cam back to feed around 1:a.m. Infiernos stall door was busted to pieces and the chain that was on his gate was no where to be seen. Infierno is very laid back on the ground and according to his previous owner he would have never busted out of his stall or even left the barn yard if he had gotten out. There were only 4 people that even knew that I had Infierno. I had finally been fortunate enough to purchase him after 5 years of trying on July 28, 2006. A horse trader was seen around my farm during the period of time that Infierno was stolen. He had told me prior to my house burning that he already knew of a couple of people that were interested in breeding to him. He also ask if he was broken and I did tell him yes, but he required a special bit to gait properly.

I posted flyers everywhere around my small town, and it wasn't long before someone took them down. Everyone thought I had found my stolen horse.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
horse name: Infierno Ideal

primary breed: Paso Fino

primary color: Dapple Grey
age: 10
Gender: Stallion

weight: 850 lbs

height: 14 hands

markings: Long silky charcoal color mane and tail/charcoal color on knees, mane almost down to end of nose. Very sweet and good ground manners, but comes to life under saddle and can be a very hot horse to ride. Needs special bit to gait properly.

microchip: No

registered: Yes, PFHA

picture: Yes


[quote]

[Barbwire]

Wait, is this the same horse that had the funky picture?

[Heidi]

Wait, is this the same horse that had the funky picture?
Yuppers.

[PASOFAN]

aaah, I to thought he looked familiar, glad they got a better pic of him...

[TrueStepPaso]

I really feel badly for this woman...I would be devastated. I hope he is at least in a good home if they cannot locate him...

[Pasogirlz]

I'm glad to see it is getting circulated on other sites. The more the better.

[moonrize]

How awful to come home and find your horse has been stolen :evil: I sure hope they find the horse and the idiot that stole him.

[corrielainedd]

I told my friend about the horse, and had her pass the word on to her friend who is a horse trader here in KY, he goes to auctions to all the states, so He'll keep his eye out.

[Abejita]

hmm but no mention of the disgruntled barn help that the finger was pointed to last time..now there is a horse trader that was around..

[Terri]

what funky picture?

[CarolU]

I would like to thank all those who are trying to help Beverly get her horse back. Realize that he could have a roached mane now to disguise him.

[Beverly Vance]

Hi All,

Yes ... for all those who had any doubt there is really an Infierno Ideal and yes he was stollen, and yes I am Beverly Vance and the rightful owner of Infierno. His mane may have been cut, he even could have been gelded ... who knowes when you are dealing with a horse theif. The previous flyer that was out was before I finally got pictures from his past owner, who I had trouble contacting due to tracking her down due to her last name of Smith, when I didn't know her husband's first name. I lost everything in the fire that burnt my house to the ground, so that is why I had no pictures of him before.
Someone posted before also that all horses that come from Ideal Farms are branded. That is " not " true. I do have his DNA, blood typing, parental verification, bill of sale etc.
Now someone is ? the previous suspect. Due to the fast action of NetPosse in putting out a flyer with the " funky" picture on it that I had'nt even seen and didn't know it said was actual photo, I have recieved information about the person who stole him, and am working on tracking him down. You can't sit back and wait when a child is abducted nor can you sit back and wait when your horse is stollen! The previous flyer may just lead to the recovery of my dear Infierno!

[PASOFAN]

Hello Bev!

I hope they find him for you, such a terrible ordeal you have gone thru, I just posted this here to get the word out, glad the pic is better now, we can all get a better idea of what he looks like..

So sad, well keep an eye out!

[cristy]

Beverly, my heart really goes out to you, as if it were not bad enough for you to lose everything, to kick you while you are down and steal your boy, I can't even imagine! I'll be praying for you!

[Beverly Vance]

Thanks to each and every one of you who are looking out and spreading the word about Infierno. Debi Metcalf who was the founder of NetPossee.com has ask that I be on her talk show to tell Infierno's story. I'll keep you all posted. I get very emotional when I talk about Infierno, I'm just praying that I can tell his story without crying. Please keep the flyers circulating. For those who may not know he is a direct son of 222.

[Pasogirlz]

We are still praying for you Beverly. Please keep us updated on any progress you are making.

[PASOFAN]

I just read he was PURCHASED AT AUCTION!!! Read below.. I didnt know that....

[quote]On Oct. 13, of this year, a dapply gray paso fino was run through Sugarcreek Auction in Ohio for around $600 -- THIS IS A STOLEN STALLION!

If you know someone who purchased this horse in the last 2 months from Sugarcreek or anywhere else, contact NetPosse TODAY!

Remember:

1) This stallion could now be a GELDING
2) The current owner needs to do the RIGHT thing - there are suspects, and the current owner most likely has no idea they are in possession of a stolen horse.
3) His color could vary from lighter to darker gray so ANY possibilities should be considered!

Here is his info:

NetPosse.com Idaho Alert - Infierno Ideal - Stolen Paso Fino Stallion, Ohio - 9/25/06

[quote]

I hope the auction house kept recods and she finds him!! ou would have thought this would have been a huge break in the case!!

[Moniece Dickerson]

How can we get the number for the auction house?Perhaps if we were all to call asking for the information on the grey that went through they would see the huge interest in this case and hurry up with the information!!??I SOOOO want to see her get him back!!!!!!!!!Moniece

[Abejita]

well and if he sold for 600.00 you can be pretty certain he didnt go to the killers..he's in someone's pasture...

[Beverly Vance]

Hi All,

I am staying in contact with a NetPossee member who saw him at the sale, she didn'nt know he was stollen at the time and she herself was bidding on him. She said if it was'nt him it was his exact twin brother. Debi Metcalf founder of NetPosse has been notified and is directing me on how to handle the next step to take. He did go to a private buyer... thank God the meat man ( killer ) didn'nt get him.

[paintedhorizon]

Won't the auction house have all in the information as far as the buyer and seller?

[Pasogirlz]

Hi All,

I am staying in contact with a NetPossee member who saw him at the sale, she didn'nt know he was stollen at the time and she herself was bidding on him. She said if it was'nt him it was his exact twin brother. Debi Metcalf founder of NetPosse has been notified and is directing me on how to handle the next step to take. He did go to a private buyer... thank God the meat man ( killer ) didn'nt get him.

That is SOME good news. One step closer! Prayers still headed your way.

[TrueStepPaso]

Gawd...how terrible.....I honestly feel sick about this. If this was one of my horses, I'd be beside myself....how depressing.
What low life, piece of sh*t steals a horse to sell for $600...??!!!! God help the person, if it was me, and I EVER found out who did it....they'd have their knee caps broken in the middle of broad daylight....to say the least.


I have toes & fingers crossed that Beverly gets her beloved horse back.

[PasoJoy]

I am desparately hoping the best for you Beverly....I can't imagine if this were one of mine.... :cry: ...thinking positive thoughts for his safe return to you...

[Beverly Vance]

Hi Everyone,

The auction barn does have records of who brings the horses in to be sold plus they have the buyers information also. I know this for a fact, because when I went to this auction house to check it how to see how it was ran I ask for a number to be a buyer. They took my drivers licence and got the information off of it and even ask if that was still my correct address on my licence. This is how the owner was able to tell me that the suspect had been at the sale that day, but had only sold 1 horse for $150.00 . This horse dealer is to smart to have put down his name as bringing my horse in to sale. He got someone else to put their name in under the seller. The girl that saw ( almost possitive 100%) my horse said and old woman stood with him and she acted real funny and didn't seem to know what she was doing or much about the horse.
Most of the horses brought to this auction barn are sold for only a couple of hundred dollars a piece and the killers buy them to sell for meat!!!
It cost me $50.+ dollars in gas to go up and back to this auction. Do you think that the suspect would have taken a full size 4x4 truck and a large livestock hauler almost 4 hours away to sell 1 horse for $150. and had to pay for his gas up and back and 20% commission to the auction house owner? I'm waiting to talk to Debi Metcalf at Netposse to see what to do next. I f the dealer is really dirty he could distroy the records. I know appx how much the horse was sold for, so I need someone to help me get the records for any horse that was sold that day for over XXX amount to go through the records and narrow down the search from there.
Debi and Angela from Netposse have a radio talk show and they talked about Infierno last Monday on it. I am a few steps behind what the horse theif has done, but what he did to me the night he stole my Infierno has turned my anguish into anger and now into action!!! I won't stop till Infierno is back home!!

[Terry Wallace]

O.k.... If you know he sold for $600.... then request a statement (or have the police do it) showing the checks paid out that day in that amount from the auction house to the sellers...be aware that the check will be LESS to the seller..there will be a "yardage fee" and possibly an over-night fee (if the horse was brought in the night before) deducted from the check paid out...so don't overlook checks for $525.00, $550.00... with these fees deducted.

Any well-meaning auction house will be able to either open a check book and see, or look it up on their bank on-line statement. Then, you can systematically run down each horse by description, eliminating any horse not "grey"..then you can get with the buyer and check out the horse.

Yes....you are correct.... I get a buyer number all the time and they always want a COPY of my driver's license. The auction house should be able to provide a list of paid-out checks as well as copies of driver licenses.

Good luck..and NEVER give up.... never give up! Take an ad in the paper of the auction area...ask if anyone saw this horse being sold on that day...try everything you can.... post photos at 7-11's post them at any nearby store or gas station to that auction... you never know what will turn up... maybe even someone was there taking photos of horses in the pens... something I sneak around doing routinely.... if I saw your ad...I'd sure check my photos from that day.... Keep at it, and GOOD luck!

[echo]

Beverly,
Any news? I can't even imagine your heartbreak with this. I pray he will be back with you soon.

[Pasomom]

Good Lord, I can't believe anyone would do something like that. There are some bad people in this world.

Bev, I hope your beloved horse is back at home soon. You have been thru more than your share and I am praying that this will all work out for you very soon!

[Tami Pinell]

Unfortunately this sort of thing happens a lot... The last auction I went to, anyone could have bought in a horse and sold it - there is never a question of rightful ownership before the sale esp on a "grade" horse. If the horse is registered at least there are names on the papers but even then the papers can go through some sales without being signed - I bought a paso mare that way. The owner wa sick and had a friend "sell" his pet - he did not know the mare went to auction - his wife was whom I spoke with and explained that I bought the pet at an auction and assured them that she would have a good home - that was the only way I got the papers signed.
I sure pray you get your boy back and he is in good health. I still think they should hang a horse theif. JMHO

[Beverly Vance]

Hi Everyone,

I'm still waiting to hear from Debi at Netposse. She has been traveling some and speaking on stolen horses. This sale barn doesn't even have a computer, so everything is on paper. They don't put on the rcts even what was sold. Still hanging in there and fighting! Beverly

[paintedhorizon]

Beverly, have you talked to the auction house?

[Beverly Vance]

Yes, I have talked to the auction house owner. He rembers seeing Infierno. He is the one that did verify that the horse trader that I suspected of stealing Infierno was in fact at the auction the day I was told Infierno went through. But he told me the suspect only registered one horse for sale that day and told me who he sold it to. The man does deal in Paso Finos, but this man only bought a horse from the suspect for $150.00 so I know it wasn't Infierno. The owner said the horse the suspect sold that day ( under his name ) went to the kill pen. This was'nt true. Debie Metcalf founder of Netpossee deals with unscrupulous auction owners all the time, so I am waiting on her responce as far as what to do next. Sometimes once she gets involved the auction owners seem to come clean and cooperate better. Next step may be to have the police go in and get the records for that day. waiting is very hard .. especially when you know you are just a couple of steps behind the horse theif!!

[Carol Nelson]

The slowness of how this is progressing must be driving you crazy! Hope you get your boy back pronto! Good luck and keep us posted.

[paintedhorizon]

Ditto to Carol N! It would drive me crazy!

So he saw Infierno there but can't remember who bought him?

[Beverly Vance]

I showed him 5 pictures of Infierno. The ones I got from his previous owner. He said he did see him, he 1st said on Friday night at the sale that he would get his people in the office to go get the box of paper records and check Monday and get back to me. He called my best friend's number ( I don't have cell service that reaches my farm) not Monday , but the very next day Saturday and said he didn't want to tell me the night b4, but he went to the kill pen. I know this is not true, because a girl that gets the Netposse alerts is the one that told me he did go through the sale, because she was trying to buy him and that he did go to a private buyer ... not the meat man!! It's strange because he did tell me that the suspect was there at the same sale. Seems like he is trying to hide something?? !!

[Pasogirlz]

Seems like he is trying to hide something?? !!

It sure does....
And it seems they don't know how passionate we Paso ppl can be.... :twisted: Get'em Bev!

[appyday]

Why on earth have the police FBI and Secret Service not been there....If it had been my horse I would have people crawing up their arse till they gave up some information..You my dear are playing the game too nice and the horse might be dead before you get information...get something done NOW

[Terry Wallace]

FBI & Secret service? Are you dreaming Appy?

With only 2% of the population owning horses in the USA (64% own cats, dogs or both)... I don't think you will find a horse thief on the ten most wanted posters!

[appyday]

FBI & Secret service? Are you dreaming Appy?

With only 2% of the population owning horses in the USA (64% own cats, dogs or both)... I don't think you will find a horse thief on the ten most wanted posters!

Let me tell you around here it could be done..she has not put up enough fight...Theft is theft and she has a lead...I am telling you she is not pushing enough.

I have bough from sales and I have called about sellers and I get the information from them..and if the case has been reported then the authorities will get it done..I have delt with the FBI and Secret sevice before on horse deals...and Nigerians they were very helpful at least pointing me where to go for help..

[paintedhorizon]

I'd call the Sheriff Bev, see if you can get them involved

[CarolU]

I agree with Shelley. If you consider the cost of the horse, this is a felony theft. The cops seem to be taking their own time about doing anything about it. I think I'd call the Chief of Police EVERY morning about 4 am to see if he's done anything about my horse.

[cristy]

ME TOOO!!! That man would get NO peace until he found my horse. I would go to his office and sit in a chair until I got results. It is amazing how fast things get resolved when you go to a public place and start screaming!!!

[Carol Nelson]

Know how to REALLY get results...go to your local television News station!
They love stories like this!

[appyday]

Know how to REALLY get results...go to your local television News station!
They love stories like this!

EGGXACTLY...........7 on your side...also local newspaper reporters..

[Beth Worden]

Sorry...but after reading about this "theft" for a couple months...something is just not kosher. JMO

[appyday]

Sorry...but after reading about this "theft" for a couple months...something is just not kosher. JMO

I agree with you too...

[TrueStepPaso]

How so, Beth? I think its normal...just because horse theft is rarely turned over, so I'd expect it to be dragging along for quite some time. I know I wouldn't give up on my horses, so I'd be haunting every horse sight every chance possible.....if it seems like a long time to you, imagine how painfully, and frustratingly long this seems to the owner...

Imagine if it was Lukka!??!? :shock: You'd probably be floating around the sites to keep an eye out for a while......then again, the search would come to a dead stop at Plymouth, MA once you found out where I board... :shock: ;-)

You better put Lowjack on that mare.... :twisted:

[DebbieS]

I just read an article in The Gaited Horse mag about Debi Metcalfe and how her horse, Idaho was stolen in 1997 and was recovered after 51 weeks! She quit her job and started NetPosse after finally locating Idaho. If anyone can do this, Debi can.

Good luck finding your horse! I would be going crazy right now, too.

[Moniece Dickerson]

Perhaps he himself or a friend of his bought Infierno at the sale from the suspect and he wants you to think he went to the kill buyer in hopes that you'll just "go away?"Yep,you've got to get tougher for Infierno's sake.Moniece

[Beverly Vance]

That you DebbiS for bringing light to the article about Debbi Metcalf in the Gaited Horse magizine. Some may not be aware , but there are an estimated 400, 000 horses stollen in the US every year. Debi Metcalf started Netposse/ Stolenhorse Inc after someone stole one of her pet horses years ago ... I believe ( don't quote me) it was about 52 weeks later till she found her horse. If you go on her web site Netposse.com you can read the story's of many victims of horse theft and after " years" some of these horse have been reunited with their stollen horses. Some sooner. This is a major problem, which the police don't find a pressing issue!!
The 23 year old man that stole my debit card, wipped out my account, burnt my house down ( debit card incident happend July 30,2006/ house burnt to ground Sept 7,2006 ) has now 2 felony Grand Jury indictments on him and 5 felony warrants in different States surrounding me. I just went to the 2nd Grand Jury as a witness 12-12-06 which resulted in the second Grand Jury felony indictment. Things just don't move as fast in real life as they do on TV. I have given the police the address that he is staying at and they still hav'nt picked him up and put him in jail yet!!!
I also am dealing with my insurance company on a daily bases trying to settle. All other time, I spend working on finding my Infierno.

[paintedhorizon]

What doesn't sound kosher? The fact that he was stolen? Or the fact that he went through an auction and the auctioneer is giving her problems? Or what? Her story is SO similar to other's out there. Go look at all the stolen horses listed with netposse. http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenhorses.htm

Rod Vilencia found his stolen horse Ariel, on the internet in 2004, 11 years later.

Lets not forget the horse whose theft is the inspiration for this website, Stolen Horse International, and Idaho Alerts for missing horses. Idaho, stolen 9/26/97 and recovered 9/17/98, 51 weeks later is alive and well today at age 23. Her thief was caught and successfully prosecuted.

After 63 weeks Candy has been recovered!!!!

Horses have been recovered 5, 10 and 12 years later.

So because it's only been a few MONTHS means nothing. So the first picture wasn't Infernio, if you look at the flyer, it even states they are not his pictures.

Here's his flyer.

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/missing_1/InfiernoIdealOHsep06.htm

Debi wouldn't put it up if she felt it was fake. Also, if you notice, the sheriff has a case filed

Agency Report Date: August 28, 2006

Agency Name: Gallia County Sheriff

Agency Address: 18 Locust St

Agency City: Gallipolis

Agency State: OH

Agency country: USA

Agency Zip: 45631

Agency Phone: 740 446-1221

Agency Website: Gallia County Sheriff

Bev, you need to have Debi update the flyer with Infierno's real pic now that you have it.

Sorry...but after reading about this "theft" for a couple months...something is just not kosher. JMO

I agree with you too...

I'm sorry there are doubters out there. Unfortunately, you will find that a lot.[/quote]

[PASOFAN]

I just keep hoping and praying.. I completely agree and sucks that it DOES take so long in the court system to get anything done. Not just for cases like this but all types of legal issues. I hope you find your horse soon and I pray god gives you the strength to endure all this. hard time of yr, my heart goes out to you Beth!!

[PasoJoy]

third attempt at a post...

I'd hire a PI... :mad:

[Beverly Vance]

I also may not have mentioned that I work full time 8:15am - 4:15 pm Mon thru Frid. I don't have a computer in my camper that I am living in at my farm. I come in early at work everyday to get on line and post/research/print flyers. I spend every break and my lunch also on the net looking for a possible lead to Infierno. The auction barn is only open on Fridays, so there is no way I can be there every Friday when I work full time to harrass the owner and sit at the police department. Another tid bit ... I have taken and am a certified private investigator, but since I work full time at the phone company I have never applied for my private investigator licence in Ohio. It does cost money to put a missing horse on Netposse and update it to stollen and it does cost about $50.00 each trip I make to the auction house not to mention all the phone calls, so I am not just sitting back doing nothing. I also have 17 other horses, and 13 Russian Wolfhounds, and a 110 acre farm.

[paintedhorizon]

Netposse charges to put up flyers???????????

[acknetpossevol]

This is Angela Kirby with Stolen Horse International, aka NetPosse.com.

One of the members brought this string of posts to my attention, and I would like to respond to some of the posts. Please be patient as there is a lot of info I am posting.

First, we are doing everything possible to help Beverly Vance find Infierno Ideal. There is a lot of work that goes on behind-the-scenes that many victims and the public never see ... mainly networking with people/law enforcement (LE) in the area where a horse is possibly known to have been.

Beverly has followed all the steps for Infierno's case that we require. We rely on victims to be factual and honest with us, but they also have to understand that they have to be an integral part of the process in locating their horse. By Beverly visiting the auction, following these leads and posting Infierno's info where she can, she is doing just that. However, it is also common for LE or people like the auction owner to show little interest or to be unhelpful.

As far as LE goes, it is often because they have little training in regards to horse theft, and they simply don't know how to handle it. It is our job to help them see that although a horse is a live animal, it's the same thing as tracking down a stolen car (unfortunately, the penalties to the thief are usually less!)

Also, a victim has to be careful how they handle LE working their case. If you harass them or step on toes, you'll shoot yourself in the foot. You have to allow them to do their job, but you can assist them by acting intelligent, informed and helpful. If you tick them off and then need their assistance because you've been given a lead, you'll be as affective as the Boy Who Cried Wolf. To hunt down a stolen/missing horse, you have to behave rationally and not emotionally. You need to gather allies not develop enemies ... and not just w/LE. Victims often find themselves dealing w/the scum of the earth.

I am in contact with Beverly privately so that we can determine the next step. Also, if you'll visit Infierno's NEW link, that has the right pictures. I re-listed him as Stolen, but forgot to link that to the old Missing page he had! I'm glad someone brought that up!

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/InfiernoOHsep06.htm

Now a little more about NetPosse since not everyone is familiar with the organization or how it works.

Stolen Horse International (SHI) was formed in 1998 after the theft and recovery of Idaho (stolen in 1997), a racking horse mare owned by Debi and Harold Metcalfe. While searching for their stolen horse, they acquired a huge group of supporters who became known as NetPosse by the media. 51 weeks later, Idaho was successfully recovered, but it didn't end there. Debi knew that she couldn't sit back while others dealt alone w/horse theft so she formed SHI. Today, it is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the Internet's No. 1 resource providing horse theft education and aiding in the recovery of stolen/missing horses, tack and trailers.

Each year, Debi travels across the country speaking at small and large horse events in an effort to educate the public on how to protect their horses and property from theft. She works for SHI 24/7 ... literally! And she never receives a dime. She quit her job to form SHI, and her family lives off her husband's retirement so she can do this for others.

While there are many invaluable NetPosse members, there are only three fulltime volunteers: Debi, Harold, and me. Harold handles all the shipping of merchandise and attends events with Debi to talk about theft. I work a full time job and still volunteer anywhere from 30-40 hours a week for SHI. I couldn't possibly calculate the number of hours Debi puts in per week, but she has MANY 12-14 hour days ... we work day, night and weekends. This is not an 8-5 job or a "wait until Monday" organization.

SHI has no paid employees, no government grants or funding. For eight years, Debi has managed to run SHI on private donations. However, as the organization has grown (website stats have doubled in a year), there are more costs associated with its upkeep and projects ... all of which are done in an effort to help horse owners and victims.

At NetPosse.com, we post stolen/missing info for horses, tack and trailers. When someone contacts NetPosse regarding one of these, we require that person to fill in a report before we will issue an Idaho Alert (named after the horse whose theft inspired SHI).

If a person has a case number showing that local law enforcement is treating the situation as CRIMINAL theft, they can file a STOLEN report. If there isn't a case number, then the horse is classified as missing.

This process works just like it does w/law enforcement. First come, first serve. If the matter is a CIVIL dispute between boarder/barn owner or husband/wife (etc) then LE usually will not touch the case and the matter is taken to civil court. In the meantime, NetPosse members do everything they can to help find the missing horse. Because in the case of a civil dispute over a missing horse, many times the judge will only issue a monetary judgment if the horse cannot be located. And anyone who loves their horse knows that you can't put a price on that missing horse.

Upon filing a report and fulfilling all requirements, a victim receives the following:

1) Personalized webpage on NetPosse.com
- includes owner contact info
- law enforcement info
- pictures of horse
- description of horse
- link to personalized flyer
- indefinite updates

2) Personalized flyer that can be emailed or printed
- includes owner contact info
- law enforcement info
- pictures of horse
- description of horse

This flyer is a standard format, instantly recognized as an alert from Stolen Horse International.

3) Personal assistance from Debi Metcalfe and/or me where we can do any and all of the following:
- issue a Press Release
- recruit volunteers to search for lost horses, visit local sale barns, etc.
- provide tips on who to contact or how to talk to law enforcement
- placement in related magazines or on websites
- give the victim support and encouragement

The webpage and flyer stay on the site indefinitely. There currently is no renewal fee and no charge for any changes or updates.

And, yes, there is a fee ... for $25 a victim receives all of the above, and again, the information remains on the website indefinitely.

The question then would be ... is finding your horse worth $25?

Where else could you get so much for so little? Some victims pay to put a stolen listing on a classified site ... but then the ad just sits there.

The Idaho Alerts are sent out to several thousand private subscribers and hundreds of list groups ... so the information is put out to thousands of people, not placed on a website waiting for someone to find it.

Is that worth $25?

These Idaho Alerts are sent INTERNATIONALLY ... they are reaching the UK, Australia, Central & South America, terrorities of other countries. SHI can target sections of the horse community worldwide.

Is that worth $25?

It also costs the Metcalfes every time they travel to Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, California, and other places, to share their knowledge about horse theft and to give the public information on how to protect their horses and property.

These are free presentations to the public, but shouldn't that be worth $25?

Debi Metcalfe has become the renowned expert on horse theft. She has a spot on World Talk Radio every Monday night. Another place where victims receive recognition. She has developed relationships with many large organizations including clinicians and media organizations. Every connection she has worked on and developed over the last eight years gives her a firm standing in the horse community so that when an alert is sent out from SHI/NetPosse ... people notice it!

No where else will a victim get this kind of visibility.

Is that worth $25?

I have the greatest respect for Debi Metcalfe and the work she does for victims of equine-related theft.

I invite each of you to spend some time reviewing the site, the information and the listings. Then I hope everyone can understand how far that $25 fee (which has only be in effect for a year) goes.

Keep in mind, too, that SHI has admin costs just like any other business or nonprofit including long distance, copy paper, printers, ink, computers (and Debi's laptop just died again), postage, transportation, travel expenses, and everything else it takes to run a business.

I, too, am a victim of theft. I had two horses stolen and recovered twice the year before Idaho's theft. Just this past summer, I had two saddles stolen. Ironically, these saddles replaces the ones stolen from me about 25 years ago.

So what's the difference between Debi and me, or any other victim for that matter?

Here is how I put in perspective:

There are thousands of victims of equine-related theft, but only one Debi Metcalfe.

If SHI closed its doors today for lack of funding, what would happen to the 600+ horses that are listed on the site as missing or stolen? Each day is a chance to find one of them, but not if the victim doesn't have a central point of reference where contact info, pictures and facts can be shared and distributed.

Thank you for taking time to read this.

Sincerely,
Angela Kirby
NetPosse Admin Assist
NetPosse Volunteer and Victim

[motorgypsy]

WELCOME TO THE BOARD! And thank you so much for taking the time to educate us. You all are doing a wonderful service in a heartbreaking situation. We can't thank you and your colleagues enough for this service!!!

[acknetpossevol]

Glad to be here ... we do want to help however possible.

FYI: I have listed more pictures of Infierno Ideal on his webpage:
http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/InfiernoOHsep06.htm

Here's another STOLEN Gray Paso Fino, Candelo in FL, that was listed yesterday:
http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/CandeloFLstolenDec06.jpg
http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/CandeloFLstolenDec06.htm

There are a number of Paso Finos listed on the site:

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/buckWIAug06.htm

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/detalleTXMarch05.htm

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/stolenShebaTNDec03.htm

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/missing_1/giocoSCFL2005.htm

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/stolenMosoPuertoRicoJuly2003.htm

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/stolenMoraPuertoRicoJuly2003.htm

http://www.netposse.com/stolenmissing/stolenmissingimg/stolenMaritaPuertoRicoJuly2003.htm

These horses could be anywhere, and the stallions could be gelded.

Angela

[CarolU]

Angela, first thank you so much for your lengthy explanation. I am sorry that it was necessary, but as someone who has been on the Paso Fino boards for years, you have to kind of forgive the doubters...we have been lied to and taken advantage of many times here, just for the entertainment of the troll or person who fed us all a line of$%.

The reason Beverly's story was at first doubted was that the picture in the original flier was not Inferno, but an altered picture of another well known Paso Fino that many people recognized (we're a small breed). That put her entire story into question, and even though some who know Beverly and know the truth about Inferno being stolen as posted, the doubt from that original flier remains. It did say it was an original picture of Inferno which it wasn't.

Just as this posted picture of Candelo has obviously been altered (can see the pixels where the horse was lightened I guess), it throws the entire notice into doubt. In these cases a note saying the picture was altered to show a more representative color, or something.

The people here are good people and all want to help. Posting these here are a great idea because we span the country and attend expos, auctions and watch the ads all the time.

I sincerly thank you all for the great job you do and hope that all these horses are found alive and well.

[acknetpossevol]

I will take FULL BLAME for the problems resulting from the ORIGINAL PICTURE!

I misunderstood and thought it was a pic of Infierno from a newspaper clipping since Beverly informed me she'd lost all the pics she had of him in the fire. I photoshopped some color into it (despite the results, I'm actually pretty proficient in photoshop! LOL)

Once it was posted, Beverly emailed and asked that I note it was a sample image that had been photoshopped. I still didn't "get" that it wasn't him, but I finally realized it when she sent me the other pics.

As for the image of Candelo. That photo has NOT been altered. It is not a good picture to begin with (since the sun is facing the camera), and I had to enlarge it so that accounts for the quality not being good. Due to the extreme differences b/t the dark and light elements, it's pretty impossible to balance the colors.

I had eight cases to work yesterday and was scrambling to get all the info together so that we can distribute the info. We have another pic of an Arabian mare that is an awful scan, but it's all we have!

As for getting burned, I completely understand that you have to take things with a grain of salt! There are several cases where the victim was less than forthright about the circumstances. This is another reason we now have a fee, and I forgot to mention that. If people have to PAY for these services, they are 'less likely' to fabricate the story. We also require all contact info (though not all is public) so that we can validate the case if need be. Same reason we require a case number and law enforcement info.

We have pulled cases because opposing parties filed a Rebuttal Form. There are other times when the opposing party jumps up and down until we request documents or other evidence and they quickly disappear. Some do provide contradictory info, and then Debi must decide what to do with the listing. Things can get complicated quickly, and Debi cannot allow anyone to knowingly use or abuse SHI's services because she wants to be sure to maintain the credibility she's worked so hard to build for SHI.

We're glad to answer any questions we can, and appreciate hearing both the good and bad so that we can better help the horses and their owners.

Sincerely,
Angela

[Laura S]

Thank you so much for all the info about NetPosse and Infierno Ideal. I hope they can find him soon!

[Beth Worden]

Angela - Welcome! And...thanks for not "blowing my cover" as it were. Yep, after having doubts I took a step back and decided to ask the professionals if indeed Beverly was a victim of theft. Angela was kind enough to answer my questions and emailed me back with answers. Before I write a check to a cause or an individual, I want to know that it is legitimate, because if I can help, I will. So, Beverly and anyone else who was offended by my OPINION, please accept my apologies. Beth Worden

[acknetpossevol]

I've learned not to reveal my sources! LOL

Debi and I both appreciate inquiries and constructive criticism. It never hurts to ask questions because someone may notice something about a case that we are not aware of.

And it never hurts to check sources.

How many times have one of you received an email about a missing child that's been forwarded to everyone in an email address book, only to learn it's a hoax? It makes you less willing to accept a real alert that comes through.

It's really hard to look at the list of horses day in and day out ... wondering where they are and what has happened to them. With all the recent cases, we want nothing more than to hear of some recoveries! And we have to keep spreading the word about stolen horses and NetPosse so that we can help prevent more horse theft and bring these other horses HOME!

Angela

[PASOFAN]

WOW, welcome and thank you for explaining how it works!!

[Pasogirlz]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/9.gif

Thanks for stopping by to 'splain us a few things. We really hope Beverly gets her boy back soon. Thanks for all the hard work you guys do.

[acknetpossevol]

Again ... thanks for the warm welcome! I hope no one else here ever needs NetPosse's services, but we are here if you need us.

In the meantime, please keep an eye out for Infierno and all the other missing Pasos.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If I don't know the answer, I'll get it from Debi! LOL

Sincerely,
Angela

[paintedhorizon]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I know about Gioco. I correspond with his owner a lot and have assisted somewhat in getting information about him. Did NOT know about the others.

Pasogirlz, any chance you could copy those links she posted and put up a topic of stolen pasos so other members who may not be reading this post can see?

[Beverly Vance]

Thanks Everyone,

There are no apologies needed, nor am I asking for sympathy for all that has happened to me. I am asking for the Paso Fino people that are so passionate about our breed to join together and help find our missing and stollen Paso Finos. I know if I see an ad or a Paso Fino for sale anywhere close to me I call about it. I go to the auction barns when I'm not working. I ask questions when I hear of a new Paso Fino or someone that has just bought their first Paso Fino. Most people I have come across don't know about the brio the Paso Fino has and don't know how to deal with it. Bringing the Netposse alerts to this forum is a big step!
Infierno Ideal is not just a horse ... he is family. Not only was apart of my family stollen that night , but a piece of my heart was also stollen!

[paintedhorizon]

How are you doing Beverly?